Japan v England: Open Thread

In the United States, it’s one of those long holiday weekends, which are a rarity. It’s time to remember the fallen heroes who have died while in military service for the United States.

It’s also an opportunity to spend time with the family, have BBQ’s, visit the beach and more — which is why I haven’t had a chance to watch the friendly this morning that involved Japan against England. I’ll watch the match later and will share my thoughts. But in the meantime, I wanted to give you the opportunity to voice your own opinions from the game particularly how England did and what your observations were regarding the players who are fighting to make the final 23.

Also, on behalf of EPL Talk, I’d like to wish you a happy Memorial Day weekend. Thanks for your loyalty.

UPDATE: I finally got around to watching the Japan against England game, after a very busy holiday weekend with my family. In truth, there wasn’t a whole lot to talk about. It’s so difficult to discern any great observations from friendlies because friendlies are so deceiving. Neither team is playing at 100% for fear of aggravating injuries. There were glimmers of promise. But it’s hard to be too critical when it’s a friendly. Let’s wait and see what happens on the big day. And boy will June 12th be a big day to see how England performs on the world stage.

About The Author

Publisher of World Soccer Talk, Christopher Harris founded the site in 2005. He has been interviewed by The New York Times, The Guardian and several other publications. Plus he has made appearances on NPR, BBC World, CBC, BBC Five Live, talkSPORT and beIN SPORT.
Harris, who was born and raised in Wales, has lived in Florida since 1984, and supported Swansea City since 1979. Last but not least, he got engaged during half-time of a MLS game.

6 Comments

Richard the Red (Devil)May 30, 2010

I thought England were alot better in the second half. They controlled the game for the most part. Heskey’s missed header near the end was a disappointment. Japan were industrious at times. I was surprised to hear that was the third choice keepr between the sticks for them. he was impressive. As far as the own goals, England’s pressure in the final third was the root cause of that. It’s the same as when Manchester United benefit from “created luck”. They force their will on the oppostion defence and make them make bad choices in front of their own goal. I think Joe Cole bought himself a place in the 23 man roster. Personally, I think that we should only take two keeprs and get Adam Johnson on the plane. How often does a team get to their third choice keeper? Just my quick thoughts.

Very very poor first half, a lot better in the second, wright-phillips looked good on the left and i too would take A.Johnson but that looks unlikely now as he didn’t play today.
To me england should take only 3 forwards because J.cole as showed he can play off rooney and gerrard could do that as well.

Although Fabio won’t say who he’s dropping i think we can say that those who have not played in either friendly wont be going:
Upson
Warnock
Parker
Dawson
You can take your pick on who the other three will be that don’t make it.

Hmm its very hard to know what to make of it. I mean they are friendlies so players, especially ones considered important are going to be told to be very careful and fringe players will be given a chance to prove themselves.

Having said that I’m wondering if long lay offs for some of the players involved are going to have an impact. I know for certain Rooney will be asked to take it easy and even substituted until he is needed but he definitely doesn’t seem as lethal as he did for United a few months ago.

My biggest concern at the moment though is Rio Ferdinand. He has had a huge lay off will he be ready for the world cup? There is also no holding midfielding shielding the back 4 and Ashley Cole will also be coming from a long lay off.

If things go well with the form that Lampard, Rooney and Gerrard have hit lately things should be smooth as silk but at the moment its hard not to let your imagination run wild.

While these are friendlies I have not been particularly impressed with England in the last couple of games. It all comes down to the same old problem. Lack of creativity in midfield. Both Mexico & Japan outplayed England in that part of the field & were much better in their build-up. There are also problems upfront. Too much reliance on Rooney who doesn’t seem to be 100% & the inability of the midfielders to weave through the opposing defenders & deliver the ball to the strikers in good positions. It seems that England scores almost all of their goals from set pieces or on the counter attack. A team that is good at defending set pieces & careful not to get caught on a counter will be very difficult for England to score on. On top of that the English defense doesn’t seem to be impenetrable by any means. Rio doesn’t look ready for the World Cup & was caught napping multiple times in the last two friendlies.

All if that makes me think that England can be had on a good day for their opponents. I also watched both Slovenia – Russia games & I from what I’ve seen I wouldn’t pencil in 3 points for England in the match against the Slovenians just yet.